Thank you for taking time to visit, and I hope I am even a tiny bit helpful as I have been helped and blessed by so many others. I have been doing Calligraphy since teens, and card making for many years as well. In 1990 I delighted in the joys of stamping with ink and embossing after a trip to Cairns, Qld. In 2009 I discovered the brayer, 2010 the Cuttlebug, also have now taking to reading up on crafting blogs and lo! Here I am, on one of my own.

I live on the coast of eastern Australia. I am a Christian. I trusted in the LORD down here at the beach, amazingly it is not far from where I now live. It was over 50 years ago, after a Beach Mission Service at the age of 12 years

Wednesday 7 August 2019

105th Birthday, Penny Black, PanPastel Tips + WOYWW

Hi there everyone! What happens to the other 6 days in a week? Am sure there must be more Wednesdays in 2019 than in previous years! 😉
 Yes, time for WOYWW again or What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday? Pop over to the Queen of Deskland - Julia of the Stamping Ground. 
Julia of the Stamping Ground.
My desk this morning. You see I’m tidying up... but in my typical of fashion of attacking several piles at once! There is on right a pile of scissors.  How many hands for that many pair?? On left  some hopeless/ hopeful (take your pick!) samples for the CAS watercolour Challenge with Loll’s technique of paper towel colour lifting. Think her towel must different to mine, it’s very reluctant to yield up any colour it had. See its on top.. it's a deep soulful green, even though tried all sorts of wetting methods, the colour lift  looks "wishy-washy blerk", in my books. Will do as base for something else. 
Reason for disarray? Too many piles of VUF (Very Useful Schtuff). Some have exploding boxes, chez moi it's  stacks, piles here and there.. some have shrunk thankfully.
Now last week had panpastels showed this desk here.
Top Tips with PanPastel (answers to queries).
1. Use good smooth blending cardstock this is key. I use Xpress blending card for copics. 
2.  Chose colours. Always if can have light one in selection. If no light one, use light chalks.
3. Light colour is essential as base of colour, with pastels, ink blending, brayering, etc it’s always best for blendability to have light base coat, kind of like Gesso.
4. Don’t slather all on at once. Like ink, build up layers bit by bit, they do blend very beautifully.
5. Apply with sofft foam blenders esp for PP but I also use makeup sponges and cotton wool balls.
6. PanPastels are much quicker to work with than inks. Very quick to do background, much longer in ink. 
7. To seal or not to seal? Some don’t but I like seal my pastels. Use a good quality hair spray, like you’d use on your hair. (ie not tacky cheap one like I had once). 
** Hair spray also removes the oxidisation of Oxides and makes their colour pop.
8. Have handy a very lightly damp tissue, paper towel, rag to wipe excess off hands. NOT “Wet Ones”, they’re bad for environment, and the children’s future. Very anti “Wet Ones”, as they are called here in Oz.
To my cards... here’s the one I was working on last week. Used same Stampendous 1990’s Stamp verse of Numbers 6.
Penny Black Aspire Floral Stamp done in grey on background too.
Second card.
Wow! I’ve never done a triple figure card before, let alone an 105th card. It’s made to appeal to diminished senses of 105 years, bright, shiny and very textural. Silver frame in foil card is CCD, Distress Rock crytal in sticky paper underneath, two Butterfly is Pippi by MB, several layers, including base with Isabella matching die; SB Petite oval dies for greeting. Stamps are by Sweet ‘n Sassy, silver embossed. 
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him”. Ps 37:
Think that’s good for all of us, Rest Wait (trust - in next verse) in the Lord but especially when 105 as with this dear lady!
Showing Aussie photos, a few from family member travelling way out west of NSW.
Sawn Rocks, pleased to see the green returning in all the new growth since the fires on a visit last year. Such an amazing rock formation! Unfortunately there was a huge number of feral goats which will certainly cause damage". 
The quandong (native fruit - link here) pies at Copley are still amazing. Bought some for the road, also some of their kangaroo pies (they're culled due to over-population, environment can't cope, make excellent lean meat like deer). They are awesome, too! Both have won silver awards in Melbourne, made by a young guy. They also have quandong and choc chip ice cream... yummo!
Our highlight of today was seeing a camel road train in Maree, 3 big trailers full of *camels from WA. The driver came across the Great Central Rd, said it was pretty sketchy in places.
*camels are feral and nuisance in the outback, Afghans brought them over when making rail-line from Adelaide to Darwin. We have largest camel population in world. They will drink whole waterholes dry in one visit. 
Last is sunset on one of their stops. Such vast colour-filled skies!
Well, am out walking, 30 mins today, praise God! So wonderful! 
Yes, might of overdone gardening last week and come down with an infection, never learn! but finished antibiotics today, now all okay. Mercies abounding. You know! often it’s not easy, but God teaches so much more in the rough times than in smooth, easy times, that you’re grateful for them almost. 
Such a blessing to know and trust in our dear Almighty Father. 
Thanks so much for popping over for peek and chat! 
l do so very much appreciate you. I’m sorry, with infection, wasn’t great so didn’t comment on many last week. D.V., will do better this week. 😊 
Prayer hugs for God’s blessing on you all,
Shaz in Oz.x
Thought for Today. Love this!
Linking up to:
* Yess! Def snippets used here so off to the playground.. yipppeee! Save slippery dip please then into duck pond!

*Anything Goes or Watercolour option
* Monday Challenge Simon says. 
Birthday theme entering both card for birthdays 105 extra special birthday card though.
http://mmmchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/challenge-102-friendship.html the PB Pastel card was birthday card to encourage a dear friend also.
https://pathofpositivitychallenge.blogspot.com/2019/08/challenge-71-opt-twist-relaxationaug-5.html to encourage a dear friend. 

29 comments:

Sarah Brennan said...

Love, love, love the cards Shaz. The subtle stamping with the pan pastels and the embossing is a superb combination. I have never had to make a triple digit card so I am very impressed with 105! I learnt something new today, I never knew there were camels in Oz let alone the world's largest population! Happy WOYWW. Sarah #10

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Yes I have to agree Shaz there appears to be a craft black hole that keeps eating away at our days Shaz... Thanks so much for the tips on Pan pastels, I never got on with them but with your help I may be able to master them a little better. I'm not sure I could eat Kangaroo pie, I'd be thinking of each little bounce from a baby joey.
Glad you are able to get out and about more Shaz, take care not to over do it again. Hope those antibiotics keep any ill health away now.
Your cards are fabulous but I have to say the last is delightful.
Thanks for sharing WoywW creative blessing Tracey #8 x

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Shaz. Great tips for the Pan Pastels who knows maybe I'll get mine out. A tip for you my dear, if you are having trouble covering a large area with ink use a small amount of Glycerin though I've been known to wipe it all over the card (thinly) before applying Distress Inks as they don't always go on easily especially with watercolour card. This is the stuff they use for sore throat and you get it from the Chemist. Great pics today too. I have eaten Kangaroo and quite liked it. Some years ago when there was a beef scare and we were in France and had it there, funny really as several of the people in the hotel were pretending to be Skippy the Bush Kangaroo if you remember him/her, they were jumping around and making silly noises....maybe they'd had too much wine with the meal Lol! and Camels too today. I had no idea you had so many. Have a lovely week and a happy woyww, Angela x15x

Rita said...

Hi Shaz. Beautiful cards, really outstanding. Hope you Enjoy a Good Week. Hugs Rita xxx

Dorlene Durham said...

Great photos. Great cards. 105! wow! The verse you have for that card is perfect. Have a wonderful week. Dorlene #24

Lunch Lady Jan said...

I'm convinced that there are more Wednesdays than any other day in a year! That's why they keep coming around so fast. I'm so thrilled that you're walking better and for longer, that's great news..let's hope that improvement continues. I think the lilac background to that card is so pretty - I've sung The Irish Blessing, which those words are taken from, it's a beautiful piece. Lol at the camel train - those animals always look supercilious, no matter what they're doing or where they are!!
Hugs LLJ 5 xxx

Betsy said...

Good morning my sweet friend. That card for the 105 soul is absolutely stunning. My favorite colors and the dimensional materials are gorgeous.
I'm so glad you're feeeling better and able to be out walking but very sorry to hear of the infection and need for antibiotics. I'm so glad that God provided the medical know-how to be able to heal infections, etc.
And I learned several new things today. I had no idea there were so many camels in Australia or that they could drain a waterhole. That photo of the train was really neat.
Also, I've never heard of that fruit before or that they make kangaroo pies!
You're never too old to learn new things. :-)
Blessings and love,
Betsy

Di said...

Gorgeous cards Shaz and how wonderful to literally hear the joy in your writing! I'm so happy for you - brilliant photos although I really can't imagine eating a 'roo' - I do understand it has to be culled. I hope it isn't done as a sport like deer hunting generally is.

Stay happy and well my sweet friend!

Hugs

Di xx

Caro said...

The cards are all stunning and thank you for the tips on how to use pan pastels. i have a few but not used them much. Love the rock formation - stunning and how fascinating about the camels - I didnt realise you had them in Oz. So glad to hear that you are now able to walk about a bit. Thank you for your prayers for Gran - you are right they are for healing or for God's timing to bring her back to Him. She had a bad fall, was in hospital for 3 months, nearly died in May, and is now in a home near Mum (about 5 hours from me) but can no longer walk and is getting more and more confused so has very little quality of life. She said to me that she is ready to go to Jesus but it is all in His timing. Take care and have a good week. With love & God Bless, Caro x #12

Belinda said...

Shaz visiting your desk and happenings is a true highlight of the day! First off, ooo la la, I love the cards. The color is so beautiful. I have a question to add. Have you heard anything about pastels being bad for health from inhaling while working with them? I think I had heard something like that on the internet and want to investigate before purchasing them. Ok and now on to those pies. I am pretty sure I felt drool on my hands while I was looking at them. Yum! Finally, the camels. Wow I did not know you have so many. Where are they transporting them?
Well I am off to go eat. My tummy is growling after you exposing me to pies!!!
hugs,
Belinda #25

Helen said...

Wonderful cards, Shaz! 105 is well worth marking with a very special card, which you nailed! Glad you are getting out and about again but try not to overdo things again !! Helen #2

meg said...

Two stunning cards and a great mini tutorial, thank you for joining in at MMM

Mrs.D said...

Great tips on Pan Pastels, much prefer them to inks. Had to Google quangdong and find out that it is like a peach.
Those cards are smashing, thanks for sharing,

Bless you
Chris #6

Debbie Mageed said...

Wonderful card! I really love that background. Thank you for playing in my Friendship challenge at Make My Monday and I hope you can join us again soon.

Conniecrafter said...

Beautiful work with the pan pastels and to give a few tips too :)
Wow 105, I can't imagine living that long, sure she will love it!
So glad you are walking so well and feeling better, yes i agree we learn so much more through the rough times than through the good.

kiwimeskreations said...

Thank you Shaz for a fabulous post, I so enjoy your posts! I love pastels too, but I have stick ones, and find I use cotton buds or my finger to apply them, and yes, hairspray to seal them :). Thanks for the hint of laying down a light coloured layer to start with, I must try that
Your cards are amazing 0 I especially like the 105 one - I too have used lots of layers and strong contrasts when making cards for older folk, especially if they have eye sight problems.
So glad to hear you are well on the mend and out walking again - praise God for modern medicines, especially antibiotics.
Blessing
Maxine

kiwimeskreations said...

Wearing my DT hat here - thank you for entering your fabulous cards in our current challenge at Word Art Wednesday.
Blessings
Maxine
WAW DT

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Your cards are so pretty. I enjoyed looking at your photos and captions.

Neet said...

Oh Shaz! Listen to me - when doctor says "rest" he means feet up and do nothing. Please give it more time to heal from the very inside outwards. If I can have patience (well, I do try) with this darned back I am sure you can. Let's get well together!
Love that lilac card you started last week - gorgeous. Your colouring behind the text is superb. It would look lovely in a frame. Bet it was a bit nerve wracking making a card for someone who is 105 but you certainly cracked it and came up with the goods.
Thanks for the pointers with the PP's.
The photos you share are always lovely. Those pies look wonderful but the flavours are so alien to me I have no idea what they taste like. I'll ask little sis what she thinks of them. Sawn Rocks looks spectacular and if I had not seen the camel train I would have thought you were pulling our legs.
Hugs and Blessings
Neet 1 xx

Brenda said...

Always love seeing what is on your desk Sharon. I have save some paper towels with inky goodness on them, but haven't try to transfer that inky goodness yet. Need to try that. Wonder why your's won't transfer very well. Must be the type of towel. I love both of your cards, they are stunning!The first one looks like rays like you see in the sky. Love the scripture on this one as well as the beautiful tone on tone stamping. The second card is stunning as well. 105, wow! Loving the swirly die cut, the beautiful butterflies and the scripture. Yes, so true, we learn more of God teachings in rough times than in smooth times. Once clear of the rough time, you can see how much your life was blessed in those times. The photo's are amazing! I didn't know you all had a lot of feral camels! That just blows my mind. Kangaroo's yes, but camels no. lol The pies look very good as well. I have heard that kangaroo meat was very tasty. Glad you are over the infection and are able to walk once again my sweet friend. Sending hugs and blessings, Brenda

Julia Dunnit said...

Sorry I’m late! lovely lovely cards, and one for a 105 year old...how amazing, and I love how you put som much thought into the colour, texture and brightness. I haven’t tried the towel thing, can’t imagine why one gets a result and another doesn’t. As you suggest, it must be the towel itself. Strange.
Lovely Oz photos. Have heard about the camels but had no idea of their numbers or nuisance, I don’t know, rabbits from Englad, Camels from the Afghans...years of clearing up after us all! Glad above glad that you’re out walking. Be sensible and don’t walk in addition to everything else, it has to be portioned, or you’ll be back at square one. Forgive me, bossiness is my greatest skill!

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I absolutely love your Numbers' scripture card! I can relate to having several projects going on at the same time, although these days its sermons and artwork for me. Happy belated WOYWW! #26

brenda said...

Playing holiday catch up Shaz, so just popping in to say hello and take a peek at what your latest post which is a real bumper one and super photos as well.

B x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Great tips and fabulous card for that old lady!! 105, wow!!

loz said...

Fabulous cards Shaz.. Fantastic hpotos but I am not too sure of a kangaroo pie.. I would feel like I was eating Skippy...Love the camels, we have way too many in the outback here and a lot are exported..loz

Janet Christensen said...

Beautiful as always. Interesting info about camels.

Sue said...

Hi Shaz, That card is stunning.

Thanks for sharing the photos. That rock formation is unusual.

Glad the antibiotics are helping and you are feeling better. don't over do it too soon though.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

happy WOYWW
Sue #7

Grammy Pammy said...

Beautiful writing, and card. Loved hearing about your home land. Love learning new things.

Julie Odil said...

Great card, Shaz, and I enjoyed your Pan Pastel tutorial. I also enjoyed your post. Thanks for joining us this month at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog. Julie, DT member

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